Spears CEO Tony McKeever has slammed Saru’s move to buy controlling shares in the franchise, arguing they are owed R14.9 million by the national body.

In a strongly worded statement McKeever explained what was going on behind the scenes to ensure that the Lions would take part in next year’s Vodacom Super 14.

“The latest SA Rugby wrecking ball tactics are being driven by Koos Basson and Basil Haddad (acting managing director and CFO and past CEO of Border and previous MD of the Despatch newspaper), who tabled this proposal to the three presidents of Border, Eastern Province and SWD, the day before the Springbok Wallaby Test at Ellis Park and are using their ‘inside’ mole and contact of acting CEO of Border, Syd Loubser, to be their foot soldier and Judas within Border and the Spears,” said McKeever.

“This is intended to derail the Spears High Court hearing for a Rule 49-11 on 26 September for the enforcement of 4 August order and compensation for the substitution of 14 games from the 2006 Absa Currie Cup. This is R7.5 million, plus the R6.4 million still owed by SA Rugby till December 2006 is R14.9 million.

“[These are] reasons why SA Rugby are scrambling. It also screams that SA Rugby have no confidence in their court application on the 26 September.”